Tips for avoiding extreme heat illnesses

With temperatures approaching 90 degrees or higher Tuesday, Rural/Metro Medical Services has some safety tips to help you avoid extreme heat illnesses.

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MPNnow

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Posted Jul. 1, 2014 at 9:37 AM

Posted Jul. 1, 2014 at 9:37 AM

With temperatures approaching 90 degrees or higher Tuesday, Rural/Metro Medical Services has some safety tips to help you avoid extreme heat illnesses.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

• Drink plenty of fluids, water is recommended. Avoid alcohol and large amounts of sugar.

• Stay cool by using fans, air conditioners and stay indoors. If possible utilize shopping malls and library if your home does not have air conditioners

• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing

• Check on infants, young children, disabled and population aged 65 and older

(at risk population)

• Limit your exposure to the heat

• Don’t leave children or pets in cars

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat stroke signs vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

• Rapid, strong pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Unconsciousness

You may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency if you see any of these signs. Call 911 while you begin cooling the victim.

Do the following:

• Remove the victim from the heat source and rapidly cool the victim. Examples: immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

• Do not give the victim fluids to drink.

Heat exhaustion includes the following signs and symptoms:

• Heavy sweating

• Paleness

• Muscle cramps

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fainting

Cooling measures for heat exhaustion can be done by doing the following:

• Intake cool, nonalcoholic beverages

• Rest

• Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath

• Removal from heated environment and go to an air-conditioned environment

• Lightweight clothing

• Cool off using a swimming pool

Call 911 or seek medical attention if you are having these symptoms or if are unsure.